Not long ago, I overheard a group of matric learners debating their futures. One wanted to study law, another dreamed of a career in medicine, and a third joked that he just wanted to “make money fast.” But then someone said something that a lot of people are thinking about: “I don’t want to spend years studying and still be unemployed. I want something solid, something real.”
That honesty is rare, but it speaks to a growing truth in South Africa. Many young people are questioning whether the traditional university route is the only way to success. And more are beginning to look at trades and apprenticeships, not as a fallback plan, but as a wise, deliberate choice.
The careers we don’t talk about enough
Think about the last time your car broke down, your geyser burst, or your lights flickered out. Who came to the rescue? It wasn’t a lawyer. It wasn’t a consultant. And it was undoubtedly not AI. It was a skilled tradesperson, a mechanic, an electrician, a technician.
These careers don’t always make glossy career brochures, but they are the backbone of our country. They keep homes safe, businesses running, and industries alive. Without them, our lives grind to a halt. And while we don’t always say it out loud, the truth is this: trades are some of the most intelligent career choices a young person can make today.
Why trades make sense
There are plenty of reasons why trades are more than “just jobs”:
Future-proof: AI and automation are reshaping office jobs, but no robot can fix a burst pipe or wire a solar system. Skilled trades will always be needed.
In demand: South Africa has a critical shortage of electricians, welders, mechanics, and renewable energy technicians, which means strong job security and opportunity.
Faster entry into work: Many apprenticeships and certifications take two to three years, not four or five. You start earning sooner.
Good earning potential: Qualified artisans often out-earn entry-level graduates, and self-employment is a strong option.
Entrepreneurial: Many artisans go on to start their own businesses, employing others and building family legacies.
Global mobility: Trade skills are recognised worldwide, creating opportunities to work abroad.
Green economy leadership: South Africa’s renewable energy transition needs solar installers, electricians, and technicians more than ever.
Tangible impact: You can literally see and touch the results of your work, whether it’s a lit-up school, a repaired vehicle, or a welded structure that lasts generations.
Breaking the old myths
For years, trades were dismissed as “second best.” But that narrative is crumbling. At Resolution Circle, we’ve seen matriculants qualify in under three years, step into well-paying jobs, support their families, and even start their own businesses. We’ve seen women thrive in welding, mechanics, and electrical work, breaking stereotypes and proving that technical skill knows no gender.
The truth? Choosing a trade isn’t about settling for less. It’s about making different choices, and often, more informed ones.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to take the next step, here’s the challenge: look beyond the familiar. University is one path. But it’s not the only one. Apprenticeships and trades offer a direct, respected, and future-proof route into careers South Africa desperately needs. Careers where your work is tangible, meaningful, and lasting. Because the future isn’t just written in textbooks. It’s built by skilled, trained, and determined hands. And some of those hands could be yours.
If you’re ready to gain real skills, earn while you learn, and step into a career that matters, reach out to Resolution Circle. To learn more about training pathways and opportunities, visit www.resolutioncircle.co.za
This is the viewpoint of Gideon Potgieter, CEO of Resolution Circle
